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16th Jun 2021

Skeletal remains found in Cork identified as man reported missing in 2004

Clara Kelly

Kilkenny crash

The remains were discovered in a car found off Hugh Coveney Pier in Cork last month.

Gardaí have confirmed that skeletal remains discovered in a car in Cork last month have been identified as that of Barry Coughlan, who was reported missing to Gardaí in May 2004, 17 years ago.

The submerged car was discovered by divers on 26 May and Gardaí were notified.

The scene was preserved as the Garda Water Unit conducted a search operation and were able to extract the car, a red Toyota with registration 98-C-18625, from the water the following day.

Coughlan, then 23 years old, went missing from Crosshaven in Cork on 1 May, 2004 and his disappearance remained a mystery until the discovery of the car last month.

A file will now be prepared for the Coroner by investigating Gardaí.

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